MSI's 13.3-inch VR340 laptop ain't too pretty, special

MSI seems to be in quite the contradictory mood, as that "Innovation with Style" slogan certainly doesn't apply to the laptop it's plastered on. We had to triple-check to ensure the VR340 wasn't actually introduced ages ago, but in fact, this 13.3-incher is incredibly fresh. Packed within the way-too-heavy 4.85-pound frame is an elusive dual-core Intel CPU, WXGA panel, up to 3GB of DDR2 RAM, dual-layer DVD burner, a trio of USB ports, 5-in-1 multicard reader and a six-cell battery for good measure. Mum's the word on a price, but chances are that won't hurt too many feelings.

[Via FarEastGizmos]

[Jonny @ Mar 31st 2008 12:03PM]

Way too heavy? I guess you don't like the MacBook either then.

[Cal @ Mar 31st 2008 12:20PM]

Omg a whole 4.85lbs? That's like 2.2kg, and I'm sorry but if that's too heavy you must have literally no muscle on you at all...

Hopefully the price isn't too high though, I want a nice cheap 13" sometime...

[packetsniffer @ Mar 31st 2008 1:40PM]

You could extend that argument to nearly anything, to the point that it becomes absurd.

"So what if that cell phone weighs five pounds? Get some exercise!"

[Cal @ Mar 31st 2008 1:44PM]

I suppose, but laptops aren't that small or meant to be as portable as a mobile. Also laptops aren't usually held while in use. But carrying 2kg in your hand or in a bag shouldn't be anywhere near an issue...

[packetsniffer @ Mar 31st 2008 2:03PM]

There's an entire target market of thin-and-light demanding people who would disagree with you. Just look at the MacBook Air, Lenovo X300, etc.

[teasphere @ Mar 31st 2008 2:06PM]

Then you need to check out the Everex SR7200T. A great 13" laptop with a better design and very inexpensive at around ~$799. I still think that an extra $200 or so for a Macbook is a better option, but it is a good deal just fairly unknown.

[Mark @ Mar 31st 2008 2:19PM]

I'm tired of バカ　trolls like you. Can you understand that there is a difference between being able to bench a certain amount or exercise with dumbbells, and swinging an extra 3-4lbs on your shoulder all day, every day?

My 15" laptop weighs only 3 lbs more than the Thinkpad X300. 3lbs is almost nothing right? Then why does my shoulder feel sore after a day of carrying around the heavyweight and not the X300 or Vaio TZ?

[Cal @ Mar 31st 2008 2:25PM]

Carrying 2kg is hardly the kind of work which requires training in the gym, and if you can't take that kind of weight for whatever your needs are maybe you should be considering the lighter options. I didn't say there was no point in light laptops, just that 2.2kg isn't much to moan about.

[coffee @ Mar 31st 2008 12:27PM]

It's the weight with battery, unlike many manufacturers that measure it without battery, hard drive, etc.

I still think it's a bit heavy, but they weren't gunning for the thin-and-light crown, it's just a 13.3" system with all the goodies. Don't expect every manufacturer to come running out with super-light 13" systems just because 2 others did.

Most 15" notebooks are still 6 pounds, most 14" systems are 5 pounds, and most 13" systems are 4 pounds.

Last December, PC World called the Dell XPS 1330 one of the lightest 13" notebooks ever seen, and that was 4.7 pounds.

Stop comparing every 13" laptop to the MBA or the Lenovo X300 based entirely on weight. No one cares just about weight, it's a combination of specs that matter.

I'd be much more interested to know why MSI hasn't gone LED-backlit rather than why their laptop comes in at a normal weight, rather than the anorexic waif-like models you prefer.

[IT-Accountant @ Mar 31st 2008 12:38PM]

If you click the read link, the site you are redirected to claims that this little lappie contains a Pentium dual-core. I certainly hope that's a typo!

[Ratzenheich @ Mar 31st 2008 12:49PM]

@ IT-Accountant

It's not a typo. The CPU they use is actually called 'Pentium Dual-core' which is actually a rebranded Core Duo processor. I have a friend who has its predecessor, the VR320. It has similar specs: 13" WXGA, 1.8 Ghz 'Pentium Dual-core', Radeon X200, 80 GB HD and quite a fat form. But it's perfect for her since she only needed something to type on and surf and she found the EEE PC too tiny. It's also cheap. It's around Php 30,000 here which is around $600 US. The VR320's probably marketed here and some of our SE-Asian neighbors since I see nearly all computer shops selling VR320s. Haven't seen the VR340 yet here though.

[Kamall @ Mar 31st 2008 1:30PM]

Yeah, the 13" Macbook weights around 5 pounds and does Engadget complain about it? Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

[packetsniffer @ Mar 31st 2008 1:36PM]

Did you read the first post? Just checking.

[chickenator @ Mar 31st 2008 3:54PM]

@Kamall,
u r wrong

[chickenator @ Mar 31st 2008 3:52PM]

innovation? style? nope!

[l4ces @ Mar 31st 2008 4:53PM]

Yes please continue to compare it to the MBA and Lenovo X300. We could use some innovation. Keep the pressure on...

[[a] @ Mar 31st 2008 5:16PM]

lol i cart around a wide-screen v4000 and like 10 lbs of accessories everywhere i go. good for the cardiovascular system. plus if i get mugged i can swing it as a weapon ;)